To the parent above...sports DO mater. Especially if students are driven and have athletic goals and aspirations. BTW this is a lacrosse forum and if you don't care for athletic banter or don't think lacrosse is important to many of the lacrosse players you are on the wrong forum.
Whether you are a janitor or a banker, playing a college sport absolutely opens doors. NCAA athletes, regardless of Division, are typically given a closer look by a hiring manager a) because they may have played the sport or b) respect the hard work at takes to go to school and play college sports. Good luck may factor in your career trajectory but so does hard work which most hiring managers will check off that back for an athlete.